10 Best Blackout Curtains for Bedrooms in 2022 (Wayfair Basics, Amazon Basics, and More)
Ever had your sleep disrupted by the sudden blast of sunlight? Or do you have difficulty sleeping during the day? Changing your curtains to blackout ones may help fix those problems. These curtains are designed to block sunlight from entering a room, thus improving your rest.
We've picked out some of the best blackout curtains for the bedroom, such as Wayfair Basics' rod pocket solid blackout curtains. They reduce noise and also function as thermal insulators in a room. There are nine more blackout curtains on our top 10 list to consider, plus a buying guide to help you decide on the best ones to get.
Quick List - Top Blackout Curtains For Bedrooms
Wayfair Basics
Stylish Rod Pocket Curtains With Thermal Insulation
Amazon Basics
UV-Blocking Curtains With Velcro Pull-Back Ties
Nicetown
A Multi-Sized Option for Various Window Sizes
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How to Choose Blackout Curtains For Bedrooms
We understand that picking a curtain without having the chance to touch the material is tricky. Furthermore, you can't be certain whether the curtains will really work in your room or still let some light through. This is why we've compiled the buying guide below to assist you in getting the right curtain depending on your blackout needs.
Choose the Right Blackout Curtain Lining
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a blackout curtain is its lining because it directly relates to how much light is blocked. There are four main blackout curtain lining types: blackout-lined, foam-backed, thermal-lined, and privacy-lined.
Blackout-lined curtains are made with heavier materials like polyester, giving you a stiff and non-flowy look. They are known to completely block out light from a room. A foam-backed lining is when an extra layer of foam is added to the fabric, making them softer and appearing more like thick drapes. However, these don't provide a complete blackout effect.
Meanwhile, thermal-lined curtains use heat-trapping fabric such as flannel, giving your curtains energy-saving features. They can minimize the heat loss and gain through the windows. Some high-end thermal-lined blackout curtains have four layers: a fabric layer, vapor barrier, fabric for filling, and the final lining.
Lastly, privacy-lined curtains mix polyester and cotton, adding an extra layer of protection and light-blocking features to the curtain while retaining softness and flow. They are often made of sheer fabric stitched to the back, thus increasing privacy and protecting the fabric from sun exposure, which could lead to its color fading.
When choosing a curtain, you can pick between one that blocks light entirely or one that lets in a bit of natural light. Manufacturers often indicate the percentage and lining type to determine how much light is blocked by the curtain, although you should verify this by reading reviews.
Check the Color and Opacity of the Curtain
The color of the curtain also plays a part in how opaque and effective in blocking out light it is. For example, lighter threads such as white will block out about 90 percent of light. Meanwhile, black yarn (for the blackout effect) inserted through dark-colored thread will give you better light-blocking capabilities.
If you prefer lighter-colored curtains, look for ones with three-pass lining or weaving. These have a layer of white foam placed on the back of the curtain fabric, followed by a black material and a layer of light-colored thread. This gives a complete blackout effect, but can still have a brighter color.
The opacity or denseness of the weaving also affects how much light enters the room. Additionally, denser and highly opaque curtains with a thicker lining can reduce noise coming from outside, giving you undisrupted rest. Buyers often share that the sound of traffic or outdoor elements becomes muffled after installing dense curtains.
Furthermore, you should consider how much natural or artificial light can come in from outside. Windows facing the sun will need thicker lining to block the rays from entering. Keep this in mind when choosing a lining, blackout percentage, and thread density of your curtain.
Pick Between Grommet, Rod Pocket, or Tab Top Header Styles
Different header styles or the part of the curtain hung on the rod also affects how much light is blocked by the fabric. There are three main header styles to choose from: grommet, rod, and tab top curtains.
Grommet curtains are installed by looping the curtain rod through metal rings on top of the curtain fabric. We recommend reading through reviews to check if the metal rings are fastened securely or rust, especially after washing.
Rod pocket curtains have a pocket up top, to slide the curtain rod through before hanging. Installation might be tricky, especially if the pockets aren't big enough to accommodate your curtain rod, so we recommend double-checking their dimensions.
Tab top curtains are like rod pockets but with spaces between the pockets. As a result, it looks like the curtain has tabs where the material meets the rod. Tab top curtains are a good alternative to the typical grommet or rod pocket styles.
With that in mind, check how much open space the header style has as gaps can lead to light seeping through. Tab top curtains, with their gaps, will allow more light in, especially if you have no sheer or underlining curtains behind.
The header style should be compatible with your curtain rod position. For example, rods installed closer to the wall by an inch or two might not have enough space for the grommet curtains' folds, but could accommodate thinner curtains like rod pockets. There are wrap-around curtain rods that meet the wall and don't leave gaps on the sides.
Consider Cleaning and Maintenance
Ideally, you want your curtains to be easy to take care of. The fabric they’re made with determines the type of care you need to apply. Curtains made with polyester or a mix of cotton, linen, and polyester can be machine-washed in cold or warm water.
However, denser fabrics with multiple layers, including those with sheer backing, might not be machine-friendly and need to be sprayed or taken to the dry cleaner. We recommend double-checking the product’s care and cleaning instructions to ensure you can keep the curtains in pristine condition.
10 Best Blackout Curtains For Bedrooms Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wayfair Basics Solid Blackout Thermal Rod Pocket Single Curtain Panel | | Stylish Rod Pocket Curtains With Thermal Insulation | |
2 | Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtains｜Set of 2 | | UV-Blocking Curtains With Velcro Pull-Back Ties | |
3 | Nicetown Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains｜Set of 2 | | A Multi-Sized Option for Various Window Sizes | |
4 | Hughapy Star Curtains | | Exquisitely-Designed Curtains for Kids' Rooms | |
5 | Cherry Home Blackout Velvet Grommet Curtain｜Set of 2 | | Velvet-Like Drapes for Long Windows | |
6 | Deconovo Blackout Grommet Window Curtain | | Soft and Thermal-Insulated Blackout Curtains | |
7 | Rosdorf Park Brockham Solid Blackout Grommet Curtain Panels｜Set of 2 | | Blackout Curtains With an Added Sheer Layer | |
8 | Eclipse Thermal Blackout Curtain Panel | | Extra-Wide Blackout Curtains With Triple-Weaving | |
9 | Twopages Pleat Darkening Drapes | | Customizable Curtain With a Natural Linen Finish | |
10 | H.Versailtex Blackout Bedroom Curtains | | Triple-Layered Fabrics for a Blackout Effect |
Wayfair BasicsSolid Blackout Thermal Rod Pocket Single Curtain Panel
Stylish Rod Pocket Curtains With Thermal Insulation
This single panel curtain features a rod pocket header for easy installation and a three-inch header and tailored hem for added style. It's designed to be energy efficient by reducing the heat lost or gained through your windows. It also reduces noise and can be machine washed when dirty.
According to a few reviewers, you might want to look elsewhere if you're after 100 percent blackout curtains (especially the lighter colors), as these still let a bit of light through. Meanwhile, the vast majority had no issues with getting good sleep after installing these curtains. They said that the quality of the fabric and curtain length was perfect.
Amazon BasicsRoom Darkening Blackout Window Curtains ｜ Set of 2
UV-Blocking Curtains With Velcro Pull-Back Ties
These curtains are offered in a variety of lengths and colors to fit most window sizes. They come with Velcro ties to pull back the curtains when wanted. The polyester material blocks sunlight and harmful UV rays while trapping heat or cold within a room according to your needs.
A few reviewers had issues with the curtains getting ruined after a wash. Some also noted that they had a chemical smell. Meanwhile, many others loved the curtains for how much light they block, some saying they caused eclipses in their rooms. Some also praised the nice colors as well as the heat and noise reduction.
NicetownThermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains ｜ Set of 2
A Multi-Sized Option for Various Window Sizes
If you're working with non-standard window sizes, these curtains come in a variety of lengths and widths to accommodate small to large windows. The wrinkle-free curtains block out UV rays and noise for better sleep. They also have 1.6-inch-sized grommet rings that fit most curtain rods.
Those who purchased lighter shades of the curtains shared that the fabric still let some light through. Some also said the measurements weren't accurate. Meanwhile, many others noted that the material was smooth and soft to the touch. They also liked the thick yet not heavy quality of the curtains. Overall, most reviewers were happy with their purchase!
Exquisitely-Designed Curtains for Kids' Rooms
The inner fabric of these curtains blocks out light to promote good sleep. The light that peeps through fuels the stars in the curtains, creating the illusion of a starry night. The curtains go wider and longer than others, so you can achieve more folds or go for a floor-to-ceiling effect.
According to a few reviewers, the stitching of the curtains wasn't perfect and the thinner layer needs careful handling. However, many others confirmed that these were very soft curtains that looked beautiful. Reviewers placed the curtains in nurseries and children's rooms and said they were well-liked by their kids.
Cherry HomeBlackout Velvet Grommet Curtain ｜ Set of 2
Velvet-Like Drapes for Long Windows
These extra soft and plush curtains with their flowing drapes effect will add an elegant look to your room. The material can block out light and minimize heat gain or loss from your window. The curtains are available in extra long lengths, such as 120 inches, in case you have large windows.
A few reviewers said that the material wasn't as thick as expected. Some also noted that the curtains didn't fully block out the light. Meanwhile, many others loved how the curtains made their rooms feel glamorous. They especially liked the bold colors of the curtains, which fit large windows perfectly.
Soft and Thermal-Insulated Blackout Curtains
These polyester curtains are woven to be soft and have a silk-like feel to them, adding style to your room while they block out light. The curtains also prevent heat loss or gain from windows. The manufacturer recommends getting them in a dark shade for an increased blackout effect.
A few reviewers noted that the material was too thin to block out all light from windows that face the sun. On a positive note, recent reviews indicate that these curtains stopped both cold and warm temperatures from entering. They also liked the quality of the curtains, noting they're wrinkle-free.
Rosdorf ParkBrockham Solid Blackout Grommet Curtain Panels ｜ Set of 2
Blackout Curtains With an Added Sheer Layer
If you're after an elegant design for your curtains, these grommet header blackout curtain panels will give you just that. With 14 colors to choose from and an added sheer overlay on the outside, you get the effect of flowing drapery in your room. The material is also machine-washable for convenience.
A few reviewers noted that the lighter shades of the curtains didn't block light as well as the darker ones. Some added another layer underneath to get a full blackout effect. Meanwhile, many others were pleased with how luxurious the curtains felt and looked. Users confirmed that the curtains were flowy and changed the look of any room.
Extra-Wide Blackout Curtains With Triple-Weaving
You can hang these curtains on drapery pins or straight on a curtain rod; either way, the pleated design adds a touch of style to any room with extra-large windows or sliding doors. The curtains featuring triple-weaving will block out light and noise and retain heat or cold temperatures on the inside.
According to a few reviewers, installing these curtains can be challenging. Some also said the curtains had a shiny, cheap finish. On the other hand, many reviewers loved the curtains and said they truly blocked out the light. Some added that the material was thick and sturdy.
Customizable Curtain With a Natural Linen Finish
Despite being coming in lighter shades, these curtains can block light and insulate the temperatures in a room. They utilize three-layered weaving for optimal UV-ray blocking and thermal control. The manufacturer also offers customization in case your curtain needs aren't based on standard measurements.
One reviewer noted that the lighter shades have a darker backing, which might ruin the look of the curtains for some. Meanwhile, many others loved the quality of the curtains, noting they are heavy and require sturdy rods. They advised ordering the sample book to get accurate colors.
Triple-Layered Fabrics for a Blackout Effect
These curtains are designed to block out as much light as possible from any room. They feature three layers of fabrics and materials to ensure a 100 percent blackout effect. They also reduce noise and heat gain or loss from the windows.
A few reviewers confirmed that the lighter shades still let in some light, especially through windows with direct sunlight. On a positive note, many others said these curtains were the perfect length and really soft to the touch. Users added that the curtains were thick and filtered light well.
Measure Your Existing Window Space for the Right Fit
When it comes to size, blackout curtains are designed in the same way as regular ones. They need to be long enough to cover your window. Most blackout curtains come in standard widths of 42 or 52 inches per panel and vary in length.
To get the right size, measure two to three inches above your window frame. This is where you will start hanging the curtain. Then, measure about the same length from the bottom of your window frame. Like this, you can get the dimensions of the blackout curtains you need.
Take a Look at These Options for Better Sleep
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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.